Bad Mommy?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

NalaLuv · 08-19-2008, 06:20 AM

Hello,

I need some advice...I'm feeling really bad for leaving my 11 week old pup locked up while I'm away at work. For the most part I leave for work at 8 and am home by 6, but sometimes I have to run errands after work that might keep me from getting home until 8. I feel like a horrible mommy...I have a roommate, but he's allergic to her (we found out after I brought her home) so he has a hard time catering to her while I'm out. We had her in an ex-pen for a couple of days but the little tike would jump out of it...so now we have her in a cage all day...I'm contemplating selling her but I'm attached...anyone out there go through this sort of postpartum depression with their furry ones????

chachi · 08-19-2008, 06:24 AM

Your not a bad mommy alot of people have to work and have a pup. As long as you are taking her for walks and giving her attention when you are home I am sure shes fine

Jeri Cunningham · 08-19-2008, 06:29 AM

Puppies need play time and walks but if you do that then she will be fine.

NalaLuv · 08-19-2008, 06:32 AM

Yea, when I get home, I play with her and spend time with her... She doesn't have all of her shots yet...but once she does I plan to take her out if the weather isn't bad

ARCHIE · 08-19-2008, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NalaLuv

Hello,

I need some advice...I'm feeling really bad for leaving my 11 week old pup locked up while I'm away at work. For the most part I leave for work at 8 and am home by 6, but sometimes I have to run errands after work that might keep me from getting home until 8. I feel like a horrible mommy...I have a roommate, but he's allergic to her (we found out after I brought her home) so he has a hard time catering to her while I'm out. We had her in an ex-pen for a couple of days but the little tike would jump out of it...so now we have her in a cage all day...I'm contemplating selling her but I'm attached...anyone out there go through this sort of postpartum depression with their furry ones????

Leaving your puppy in a crate for, at times, 12hrs is just too long.
Can you delay your errands for the weekends? When you have a puppy
there are things that have to go on the back burner, so to speak.
How will you ever get this little one trained if she is in the crate for 12 hrs
at a time? I worked from 9 to 5. I went home for six weeks to let Buddy out
of his crate and that's 14mi traveling accross a major bridge too. It was
stressful but it had to be done if I wanted this furbaby. I also gave up anything going on after work. Straight home to get him outside for walking.
I stayed home at night also not leaving him again. It's not fair to your little
one to be left alone crated daily for up to 12 hrs. Your right in thinking about
re-homing her. Maybe down the road when your life is more settled would be
a better time unless you can dedicate more time for this little one. Yes they
do get accumstomed to being alone in time but at 8wks this is too early and much to long to be left alone in a crate.
Good luck,

Deegan's mom · 08-19-2008, 06:39 AM

I understand, but there's nothing we can do about i really... we all have to work. But perhaps trying the x-pen again, but have something over it to create a roof, like sheet of plywood that covers it so she can't get out??? At least that way she would have more room to play compared to her crate. And maybe getting that doggy video (you know the one that's supposed to keep them entertained, similar to the kitty one they've had out for a while). Keep the tv or music on for her so it doesn't seem too quiet, and maybe get her some toys that keep her occupied for a while like the ever lasting treat ball?? She should be ok, but spending as much time with her once you do get home will be good too! Hope all works out for you and the pup.

hasrv4fun · 08-19-2008, 06:39 AM

I have good luck with putting a top on a xpen for my babies that want to climb - this gives them more play room -

I use a fitted twin sheet and attach it with clip clothes pins in several (many)places - use lots of pins LOL or they will figure it out -

I have also used plywood but unless you have someone to make a custom top ( my hubby used to be a home builder so he is good with making things )
don't go this way as a loose piece of plywood could possibly fall and hurt the baby -
Give the sheet a try - it might make you feel less guilty

You hang in there and love it when you are home and soon enough it will be an older pup and will do just fine with being alone - of course you could always go the route of getting a second one to play with the first baby LOL

megansmomma · 08-19-2008, 06:58 AM

HI~
Don't beat yourself up, you are not the only one that must work and leave their puppy home.

Last week someone posted about a top that you can purchase for the XPEN. Maybe he could go back in their if you can buy the top attachment. I want to say it was under $20 and attached to the top of the XPEN.

I will try to look back over a few old threads but I'm not that great about searching.

Can anyone else help me find this thread?????

GENERAL CAGE It'z A Breeze Too Soft-Sided Exercise Pen from King Wholesale Pet Supplies

I found the website!!! Check it out!

Ladylavender · 08-19-2008, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARCHIE

Leaving your puppy in a crate for, at times, 12hrs is just too long.
Can you delay your errands for the weekends? When you have a puppy
there are things that have to go on the back burner, so to speak.
How will you ever get this little one trained if she is in the crate for 12 hrs
at a time? I worked from 9 to 5. I went home for six weeks to let Buddy out
of his crate and that's 14mi traveling accross a major bridge too. It was
stressful but it had to be done if I wanted this furbaby. I also gave up anything going on after work. Straight home to get him outside for walking.
I stayed home at night also not leaving him again. It's not fair to your little
one to be left alone crated daily for up to 12 hrs. Your right in thinking about
re-homing her. Maybe down the road when your life is more settled would be
a better time unless you can dedicate more time for this little one. Yes they
do get accumstomed to being alone in time but at 8wks this is too early and much to long to be left alone in a crate.
Good luck,

I agree. Some sacrifices have to be made when you have a puppy if you want a properly socialized behaved dog. There are many of us that work and have dogs, but coming home right after work should be a priority, especially at this age and during its puppyhood.

NalaLuv · 08-19-2008, 07:42 AM

Wow this seems great...defenitly a step up from the ones I got from PetCo...I'll give it a try...thank you all for your responses and for looking up the websites...Gonna try this out with my furbaby

emilyann · 08-19-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NalaLuv

Hello,

I need some advice...I'm feeling really bad for leaving my 11 week old pup locked up while I'm away at work. For the most part I leave for work at 8 and am home by 6, but sometimes I have to run errands after work that might keep me from getting home until 8. I feel like a horrible mommy...I have a roommate, but he's allergic to her (we found out after I brought her home) so he has a hard time catering to her while I'm out. We had her in an ex-pen for a couple of days but the little tike would jump out of it...so now we have her in a cage all day...I'm contemplating selling her but I'm attached...anyone out there go through this sort of postpartum depression with their furry ones????

Is there any way you could swing by and pick her up on days you have errands? When I used to be in school and had bills to pay or certain things to do after school or if I just didn't feel like being at home... I'd go home and get her and take her with me or we'd go up to my boyfriend's work and wait until he got off.

Edited to add: Also when I was in school - I'd be gone from 9 - 5 most days and she was fine. I bought a baby gate and put it up in my kitchen and shut the door to the laundry room. I had her food, water, pee pad, toys, bed and whatever else in there with her all day. When I got home it was non-stop Lilly time until it was time for bed. It is possible to still have her but I wouldn't keep her in the crate!

I'm sure if you give her loads of attention when you get home and if you take her out for walks after she gets her shots, she'll be fine.

dlross · 08-19-2008, 09:37 AM

I agree with Archie can’t U find a neighbor to come in and check on yr little one. There must be someone you trust and can do this. Think of it this way, how would U like to be in a cage for 12 hr. When getting a dog, U should of thought through on how you would look after it. Some people take their vacation at the time so they can spend quality time with the dog. If planning on keep it, please try and find a dogsitter or a neighbor it’s like having a baby U wouldn’t leave for that amount of time. Leave errands to the weekend, that way U can take yr dog with you. My hold life changed when I got my little ones, and I don’t regret it at all.

Timmy · 08-19-2008, 09:38 AM

I would definately leave my errands for the weekend and take her with me for the ride if possible. Like many have said...when you have furkids its just like having kids. My life was different before I became a doggy mom. Its my responsibility to take care of them. I do not make plans after work or run errands. If for some reason I have to do something I arrange it so I have time to come home first and feed them. Mine are on a feeding schedule and dinner is at 5:30 PM everyday and Gabby is hand fed. I can't imagine being late for them...Its on the weekends and if I'm at least 2 mins late with dinner my girl Gabby will sit in the kitchen and whine, cry and bark. So she pretty much lets me know when she's hungry...I just can't imagine coming home a little later...really I couldn't cause I'd know she'd be crying by that time and the thought would kill me. Oh and don't get me wrong...she's healthy and really need to lose a pound but the way she acts you would think I do not feed her. I also leave a few kibbles out just in case they want to nibble on something but they don't. They're already use to their feeding schedule and look forward to it. Also they have free run of the house because they are potty trained.

Really I could be anywhere out..lets say invited to a BBQ. I make sure I leave and come home by dinner time to feed them. I play & sit with them and then go back to the BBQ. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for doing that but they just don't UNDERSTAND!

So what I'm saying is that its okay to be a doggy mom and work...alot of us do. Just maybe rearrange your schedule to accomidate her. Try the x-pen with a sheet like another member suggested so she'd have more room to run and play. Leave the radio or the TV on.

Its strange that you're friend is allergic to her...as Yorkies are considered hypo allergenic..but I could be wrong.

08-19-2008, 06:20 AM	#1
NalaLuv Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 49	Bad Mommy?? Hello, I need some advice...I'm feeling really bad for leaving my 11 week old pup locked up while I'm away at work. For the most part I leave for work at 8 and am home by 6, but sometimes I have to run errands after work that might keep me from getting home until 8. I feel like a horrible mommy...I have a roommate, but he's allergic to her (we found out after I brought her home) so he has a hard time catering to her while I'm out. We had her in an ex-pen for a couple of days but the little tike would jump out of it...so now we have her in a cage all day...I'm contemplating selling her but I'm attached...anyone out there go through this sort of postpartum depression with their furry ones????

08-19-2008, 06:24 AM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Your not a bad mommy alot of people have to work and have a pup. As long as you are taking her for walks and giving her attention when you are home I am sure shes fine __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

08-19-2008, 06:29 AM	#3
Jeri Cunningham Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hercules,CA Posts: 2,057 Blog Entries: 1	Puppies need play time and walks but if you do that then she will be fine. __________________ Mandy & Krissy & Teddy & Chelsey & Kayla Non-Yorkie: Rusty & Biewers: Darla & Spanky The Little Rascals Last edited by Jeri Cunningham; 08-19-2008 at 06:30 AM.

08-19-2008, 06:39 AM	#6
Deegan's mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 1,271	I understand, but there's nothing we can do about i really... we all have to work. But perhaps trying the x-pen again, but have something over it to create a roof, like sheet of plywood that covers it so she can't get out??? At least that way she would have more room to play compared to her crate. And maybe getting that doggy video (you know the one that's supposed to keep them entertained, similar to the kitty one they've had out for a while). Keep the tv or music on for her so it doesn't seem too quiet, and maybe get her some toys that keep her occupied for a while like the ever lasting treat ball?? She should be ok, but spending as much time with her once you do get home will be good too! Hope all works out for you and the pup. __________________ Jayde, Deegan & Trooper ~Be the change you wish to see in the world - Adopt a rescue pet~

08-19-2008, 06:39 AM	#7
hasrv4fun Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 496	top for xpen I have good luck with putting a top on a xpen for my babies that want to climb - this gives them more play room - I use a fitted twin sheet and attach it with clip clothes pins in several (many)places - use lots of pins LOL or they will figure it out - I have also used plywood but unless you have someone to make a custom top ( my hubby used to be a home builder so he is good with making things ) don't go this way as a loose piece of plywood could possibly fall and hurt the baby - Give the sheet a try - it might make you feel less guilty You hang in there and love it when you are home and soon enough it will be an older pup and will do just fine with being alone - of course you could always go the route of getting a second one to play with the first baby LOL __________________ Helen & Furkids HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR YORKIE (or any dog)TODAY

08-19-2008, 06:32 AM	#4
NalaLuv Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 49	Yea, when I get home, I play with her and spend time with her... She doesn't have all of her shots yet...but once she does I plan to take her out if the weather isn't bad

08-19-2008, 06:58 AM	#8
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	HI~ Don't beat yourself up, you are not the only one that must work and leave their puppy home. Last week someone posted about a top that you can purchase for the XPEN. Maybe he could go back in their if you can buy the top attachment. I want to say it was under $20 and attached to the top of the XPEN. I will try to look back over a few old threads but I'm not that great about searching. Can anyone else help me find this thread????? GENERAL CAGE It'z A Breeze Too Soft-Sided Exercise Pen from King Wholesale Pet Supplies I found the website!!! Check it out! __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain Last edited by megansmomma; 08-19-2008 at 07:00 AM. Reason: found website

08-19-2008, 07:42 AM	#10
NalaLuv Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 49	Wow this seems great...defenitly a step up from the ones I got from PetCo...I'll give it a try...thank you all for your responses and for looking up the websites...Gonna try this out with my furbaby

08-19-2008, 09:37 AM	#12
dlross YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 286	I agree with Archie can’t U find a neighbor to come in and check on yr little one. There must be someone you trust and can do this. Think of it this way, how would U like to be in a cage for 12 hr. When getting a dog, U should of thought through on how you would look after it. Some people take their vacation at the time so they can spend quality time with the dog. If planning on keep it, please try and find a dogsitter or a neighbor it’s like having a baby U wouldn’t leave for that amount of time. Leave errands to the weekend, that way U can take yr dog with you. My hold life changed when I got my little ones, and I don’t regret it at all. __________________ Deborah

08-19-2008, 09:38 AM	#13
Timmy Mimi & Gabby too! Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Vineland, NJ Posts: 3,208	I would definately leave my errands for the weekend and take her with me for the ride if possible. Like many have said...when you have furkids its just like having kids. My life was different before I became a doggy mom. Its my responsibility to take care of them. I do not make plans after work or run errands. If for some reason I have to do something I arrange it so I have time to come home first and feed them. Mine are on a feeding schedule and dinner is at 5:30 PM everyday and Gabby is hand fed. I can't imagine being late for them...Its on the weekends and if I'm at least 2 mins late with dinner my girl Gabby will sit in the kitchen and whine, cry and bark. So she pretty much lets me know when she's hungry...I just can't imagine coming home a little later...really I couldn't cause I'd know she'd be crying by that time and the thought would kill me. Oh and don't get me wrong...she's healthy and really need to lose a pound but the way she acts you would think I do not feed her. I also leave a few kibbles out just in case they want to nibble on something but they don't. They're already use to their feeding schedule and look forward to it. Also they have free run of the house because they are potty trained. Really I could be anywhere out..lets say invited to a BBQ. I make sure I leave and come home by dinner time to feed them. I play & sit with them and then go back to the BBQ. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for doing that but they just don't UNDERSTAND! So what I'm saying is that its okay to be a doggy mom and work...alot of us do. Just maybe rearrange your schedule to accomidate her. Try the x-pen with a sheet like another member suggested so she'd have more room to run and play. Leave the radio or the TV on. Its strange that you're friend is allergic to her...as Yorkies are considered hypo allergenic..but I could be wrong.